NDN-SS-4-24-2015

Senior Lifestyles

Inside...

Exercise for Seniors

Proposed plan would bring equipment geared toward seniors to Sunset Park in the coming years ..................... p. 3

Sharing their Stories

Iowa Oncologist Dr. Richard Deming goes Above + Beyond Cancer with a different outlook after diagnosis ... p. 5

Raising Grandchildren

A growing number of older Americans are helping to raise their grandchildren in their retirement years ............... p. 8 Spring 2015

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 2

Snack foods that promote better sleep Metro Creative According to the National Sleep Foundation, changes in sleep patterns are a part of the aging process. Many people experience difficulty falling asleep and then staying asleep as they age, and that difficulty can make men and women over 50 feel more tired during the day.

But even though difficulty sleeping may be a part of aging, that does not mean men and women over 50 cannot take steps to improve their sleeping patterns. For example, certain snack foods may help to improve quality of sleep, especially when these foods replace less healthy snack-

ing options. While men and women over 50 should always consult with their physicians before making any changes to their diets, the AARP notes that the following are a handful of snack foods that promote better sleep.

• Almonds: Magnesium is a mineral with muscle-relaxing properties, and almonds contain enough magnesium to help men and women get a better night’s sleep. A small amount of almonds before bed might be enough to make falling and staying asleep easier.

• Bananas: Much like almonds, bananas provide a substantial SNACKS | 11

Y o u C A N A ff o rd M c C a n n !

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 3

Sunset Park may incorporate equipment for seniors

By Scott Thenhaus Newton Daily News It is still a work in progress, but Sunset Park may have a new identity in the next couple of years. Adjacent to the Park Centre senior living community, Sunset Park may acquire an outdoor gymnasium for senior citizens, however, the equipment would be safe for all ages.

The City of Newton Parks Board has recently established a goal to structure city parks in a way that each park is focused on a particular age group. The proximity of Park Centre, Newton Village and Skiff Medical Center makes Sunset Park a perfect location for a senior outdoor gymnasium.

City of Newton Administrative Park Superintendent Nathan Unsworth couldn’t agree more.

“The outdoor gymnasium will give our senior citizens more opportunities to be outdoors and change the environment for them. It will also promote multiple generations coming together and enjoying the outdoors,” Unsworth said.

Possible equipment for the outdoor gymnasium may include an elliptical, air skier, double hip swing, a rowing machine, a four-person twisting station, stair climber and a two-person accessible chest press.

Taking the lead on the project will be the Newton Wellness Coalition. Its mission is to grow community wellness through awareness, advocacy and action. When the NWC noticed the parks board goals were similar, the two teamed up for this project.

The Skiff Medical Cen-

Scott Thenhaus/Daily News On Thursdays, patrons of Park Centre participate in a total body conditioning class. Individuals play a memory game that includes matching exercise activities like bicep curls, calf raises and squats. Patrons perform each activity until all exercises are paired together. Seniors may have more exercising options if Sunset Parks adds senior friendly equipment.

ter’s physical therapy department is also working with the two groups. Physical therapist Robyn Friedman is very excited about the possible addition to Sunset Park.

“We frequently walk to Sunset Park for rehab like balance training and endurance walking. We hope to get enough funding to make it happen because it would be a great amenity to Newton,” Friedman said.

Theisen’s granted the NWC $1,500 to install the outdoor gymnasium at Sunset Park. Unsworth believes

Theisen’s provided the grant for the outdoor gymnasium to support its goal of jumpstarting and/or sustaining projects, which most effectively and directly serve the basic needs of families and children.

These programs include food, shelter, education, safety and health. The project will have to go through the parks board and city council, but NWC hopes to discuss the project further in the next few months.

NWC has only been around for a year, but it is still trying to gain recognition

within the community. When recognition didn’t come easily, the organization began focusing their attention on projects. Although the NWC is looking to apply for additional grants to assist with more community-based projects, the outdoor gymnasium will be the first project for the group.

If the outdoor gymnasium is approved, the hope is that the project will be installed by 2016. The idea for the project was brought up by a board member of the NWC, as the individual experienced

an outdoor gymnasium for seniors somewhere on the West coast. It is still a new concept for North America, but Unsworth believes the concept is gaining speed in Asia.

“We are trying to position ourselves as a progressive small community that has new and different amenities to offer compared to other small communities in the area. This is one project that would certainly add a new amenity to our community,” Unsworth said.

SUNSET PARK | 4

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 4

Sunset Park Continued from Page 3

Scott Thenhaus/Daily News There are other classes and activities that provide entertainment for Park Centre patrons. However, with the addition of a new outdoor gymnasium, patrons will be able to enjoy another option for exercise.

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The outdoor gymnasium is still in the planning and designing stages.

The NWC is still not sure whether the outdoor gymnasium will feature traditional workout equipment or more of a playground environment.

The end result may be a feature of the two, but the equipment will be available for all ages; however, the goal is to target senior citizens with the gymnasium.

Project manager and member of NWC, Sheri Benson, understands why the project is focused on older people.

“From a community standpoint, we have to recognize that a significant part of our population is elderly. Community means meeting the needs of as many people as possible, and it includes that subgroup,” Benson said. “Hopefully it will come, but it will probably look different than we first imagined. The hope is that it will be something we can grow and expand on, too.”

Contact Scott Thenhaus at 641-792-3121 or newsroom@newtondailynews.com

Scott Thenhaus/Daily News The location of the possible outdoor gymnasium would be at Sunset Park.

The site would be most ideal for senior citizens as it is near Park Centre, Newton Village and Skiff Medical Center. The plan would be to tear out old equipment and install the new gymnasium in its place.

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 5

Enjoy the journey

Submitted Photo Above + Beyond Cancer celebrate the journey to the High Himalayas in Nepal in 2012. The nonprofit organization takes cancer survivors and their chaperones on a trip to face another type of challenge besides such as climbing a mountain.

Oncologist Deming shares stories of new organization Above + Beyond Cancer

By Kate Malott Newton Daily News Every day is an adventure, so enjoy the journey.

That was the message given to residents of Park Centre by Mercy Cancer Center Medical Director, Iowa Oncologist Dr. Richard Deming during a presentation in March.

Deming is the founder of Above + Beyond Cancer, a nonprofit organization that takes cancer survivors on lifechanging adventures to places like Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu. Above + Beyond Cancer is

a new organization, founded in 2011 by Des Moines, created to make a difference to the quality of life.

The participants’ purpose is not only to inspire themselves, but the public by devoting themselves to a life of advocacy.

In turn, participants learn to push themselves on a new physical, emotional and spiritual journey and celebrate their lives and everything in which they have overcome.

“We’re all on the same journey of magnificence and beauty and challenge,” Deming said.

“How do you get 29 people who aren’t mountain climbers up a

mountain to 18,000 feet? Mostly, it’s hugs. Occasionally, a kick in the butt, a can of suck it up, but mostly it’s hugs and a helping hand.”

Park Centre Lifestyles Director Lori Griffin introduced the idea of bringing Deming to speak at Park Centre. Griffin knew all about the wonders of Above + Beyond Cancer because of the personal connection she has with the organization.

Griffin’s mother-in-law, Cyndi Mortenson, is a cancer survivor who went on a trip to Machhu Piccu with Above + Beyond in 2014.

“He is dedicated to the prin-

ciples of human dignity, social justice and compassion. He is inspired by the courage of his patients and their families,” Griffin said.

There were numerous life lessons Deming said was gained from the adventure his patients took.

1. None is as good as all. That more can be achieved and accomplished when done together as a team.

2. Adversity leads to growth 3. Courage is grace under pressure 4. One step at a time 5. Higher purpose is secret weapon to success

6. Take time for reflection 7. Live today with passion It is because we don’t live forever that makes each day so valuable.

“It’s been a great program.

Most people don’t have anything in their lives, and if Above + Beyond can come in, bring people in and teach them something, it’s much better than sitting around just doing nothing. He’s trying to build a life for them, and for our people too,” Park Centre resident Bill Medland said.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or at kmalott@newtondailynews.com

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 6

Park Centre, A WesleyLife Community and Willowbrook Adult Day Center Transforming the Aging Experience www.wesleylife.org

Older Adult Wellness: Five Reasons You’re Not Exercising

By Lori Griffin Lifestyle Director at Park Centre

500 First Street North • Newton, Iowa 50208 • 641-791-5000

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Do you have reasons you don’t exercise? Are your reasons truly just excuses in disguise?

Staying physically active in a way that you enjoy is essential to aging well. As you age, many “reasons” pop up to keep us from engaging in a healthy dose of exercise.

Here are five reasons older adults aren’t exercising and why you should avoid them to live a full and active life:

cent. Many older adults have lived their lives without formally exercising and see no reason to start now.

Because you’ve never exercised before is the perfect reason to start.

Muscle mass naturally declines with age. Your good health and good genes that got you by in the past aren’t as reliable as they once were.

Maintaining strength, endurance, and mobility are vital to functioning independently in later years.

I have pain now I never exercised without exercising and before, so why start now? I don’t want to make it The knowledge about worse. the benefits of exercise Many older adults and staying physically experience chronic pain active is relatively re- from fibromyalgia, ar-

thritis or other causes.

People who live with pain take great caution to avoid activities that may exacerbate the issue. However, exercise often eases or relieves the pain. Try a gentle blend of exercise such as aqua fitness, yoga, or Tai Chi for a low-impact option.

I have an injury or physical limitation.

Exercises and movements can be modified to work for your body.

Injuries or limitations can easily be accommodated. Seek proper instruction and guidance on how to tailor an exercise program to your needs.

WELLNESS | 7

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 7

Wellness

Continued from Page 6 I don’t have enough time.

Commonly, older adults find themselves busier during their retirement than when they were working.

The new freedom in the day quickly fills up with volunteer opportunities, social commitments or hobbies.

Here’s the harsh truth: everyone has just 24 hours in a day. Make your health a priority by scheduling time for activity and work other appointments around your exercise.

I don’t know how to get started.

Beginning some-

thing new can be daunting and even debilitating. Make the decision to seek proper instruction either through group fitness classes, a personal trainer or other well-educated exercise professionals. Not only will you be doing your body a favor by getting active, but you will be learning something new – both great ways to live longer, better.

Why aren’t you exercising? Is time a factor?

Do you have a nagging pain you’re afraid to make worse? Or are you just unsure how to start?

Take a minute to truly assess the barriers you have to staying physically active. Knowing the barrier is the first step in overcoming it.

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Many grandparents provide As retirement age ap- part-time care when their proaches, many older adults older children have to move envision themselves downsiz- back home with their families, ing and moving to a quaint as roughly 13 million children community to enjoy their are now living in homes with golden years in as relaxing a their grandparents. fashion as possible. However, Although being raised by for a growing number of se- grandparents may not be the niors, their retirement years ideal situation for all parties are being spent helping to involved, such situations are raise grandchildren. a necessity for many families.

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they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury.

• Gather important documents. Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in

their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certificates, health immunization records, death certificates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets.

• Speak with an attorney.

Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as filing for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures.

• Investigate financial assistance. Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who find

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5 tips to slash prescription drug costs Brandpoint Today’s rising health care costs can feel out of control. Fortunately, prescription drugs are an exception.

Consider these five simple ways to save money on your prescriptions so you can stay healthy and maintain your budget.

1. Ask about generic or lower-cost equivalents.

Your health plan has a list of covered prescription drugs, called a formulary. Within that list are preferred drugs, which have a lower copayment cost for the patient. These are clinical or therapeutic equivalents to

higher-priced brand drugs.

Always ask your prescriber or pharmacist, “Is there a generic for that?”

It’s a fair question. Many physicians write for the familiar brands, the “tried and true,” or the newest, most highly marketed drug in the therapy class. Until you ask, they may not be well acquainted with lower-cost equivalents on your particular plan’s formulary.

2. Don’t be duped by drug coupons. Hundreds of high-priced brand drugs offer coupons that apply to the consumer’s share of the drug’s cost. But beware: A temporary discount may

end up costing you more in the long run. A recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 62 percent of coupons were for brand-name drugs for which lower-cost alternatives were available.

“Despite the short-term savings achievable with coupons, they do not offset higher, long-term costs because they’re nearly always time-delimited,” the study states. “Some coupons can be used once and others more than once. But we found that few offered savings for more than a year.

Once a coupon program ends, patients with chronic

disease face copayments for these brand-name medications that are higher than for those generic alternatives.”

3. Use preferred retail pharmacies for acute medications. Many prescription plans offer a preferred network of retail pharmacies within a wider network.

These plans allow you to save between $5 and $10 on copayments just by choosing a preferred pharmacy.

Chances are good that a preferred pharmacy is conveniently located near you.

Before you fill a prescription for an acute medication, such as an antibi-

otic or painkiller, use your plan’s pharmacy locater to find a preferred option. And inform your doctor, as he or she may now send electronic prescriptions directly to the pharmacy.

Medicare patients choosing a prescription plan should look for one that offers preferred networks.

Savings at the pharmacy window can easily exceed any small difference in premium amount.

4. Use home delivery for chronic or maintenance medications. With home delivery, many patients can save up to 33 percent on their copayment costs and have the medication delivered right to their door.

Home delivery is a safe and convenient way to obtain medications that you use long term.

Many pharmacy plans will provide you with a 90-day supply for a lower copayment. Be sure to tell your doctor that you use home delivery so your prescription can be written for a 90-day supply.

There’s an important bonus that can save you even more: Patients using home delivery are more likely to take their medication as prescribed (see No. 5).

5. Take your medications as prescribed.While it might be tempting to stretch your medication dollar by skipping daily doses, this can be harmful to your health and end up costing you significantly more money to treat the health complications that could have been avoided.

Adherence to your prescribed therapy is the best way to make sure you get the most from your pharmacy benefit.

Take your medication at the proper time and frequency as indicated by your doctor, and refill and renew prescriptions as early as possible so you are never empty-handed.

Express Scripts offers mobile apps, as well as auto-refill and renewal reminder programs to help you stay on track.

For more information, visit lab. express-scripts.com.

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 10

Elder care costs keep climbing; nursing home bill now $91K ​By Matthew Craft The Associated Press NEW YORK — The steep cost of caring for the elderly continues to climb. The median bill for a private room in a nursing home is now $91,250 a year, according to an industry survey out Thursday.

The annual “Cost of Care” report from Genworth Financial tracks the staggering rise in expenses for long-term care, a growing financial burden for families, governments and insur-

ers like Genworth. The cost of staying in a nursing home has increased 4 percent every year over the last five years, the report says. Last year, the median bill was $87,600.

“Most people don’t realize how expensive this care can be until a parent or family member needs it,” said Joe Caldwell, director of long-term services at the National Council on Aging. “And then it’s a real shock.”

The annual report from Genworth, which sells policies to cover

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long-term care, looks at costs for a variety of services, including adult daycare, and home health aides. It shows that nursing home bills are rising at the fastest pace, twice the rate of U.S. inflation over the last five years. One year in a nursing home now costs nearly as much as three years of tuition at a private college.

For its report, Genworth surveyed 15,000 nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other providers across the country in January and

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February. It found wide differences from state to state. In Oklahoma, for instance, the median cost for a year in a nursing home came out to $60,225. In Connecticut, it was $158,775.

Alaska had the highest costs by far, with one year at $281,415.

So, who pays the nursing-home bill? “A lot of people believe Medicare will step in and cover them, but that’s just not true,” said Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The CARE | 11

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Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 11

Snacks Continued from Page 2

Care: Nursing home bills keep rising Continued from Page 10

Scan Foundation, a charitable organization. Medicare will cover some short visits for recovery after a surgery, for instance, but not long-term stays.

Often enough, experts say senior citizens wind up spending their savings until they hit their last $2,000, and at that point they can turn to Medicaid, the government’s health insurance for the poor, to help cover the bill. As a result, Medic-

aid pays for more than half of the country’s longterm care bill. That cost accounts for more than a quarter of Medicaid spending, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Genworth and other insurers offer long-term care policies to help people shoulder the financial burden. But people have to be healthy enough to qualify for coverage.

Those who take out policies find their insurance bill rises steadily as they

Grandparents Continued from Page 8

themselves caring for a child may be eligible for financial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide needbased financial assistance. The AARP or the organization

age.

Caldwell described Genworth’s survey as essentially a marketing pitch. “Of course they want people to see how much it costs to sell longterm care insurance,” he said. “What they’re not telling you is that the long-term care coverage is becoming more and more unaffordable for middle-class families.”

Mounting costs have also pushed many insurance companies out of the business. Four of the

GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with financial advisors in their areas.

• Contact schools and daycare centers. School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grand-

five largest providers have either scaled back their business or stopped offering new policies. The largest provider, Genworth, has struggled under the weight of old policies.

Less-intensive care remains much cheaper than staying at a nursing home, according to Genworth’s survey. One year in an assisted-living facility runs $43,200. A year of visits from an agency’s home health aides runs $45,760.

parents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offices. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much-needed free time during the day.

• Find emotional support.

Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times,

amount of magnesium. Bananas also contain the amino acid tryptophan, which many people associate with Thanksgiving turkey. While tryptophan might be most often associated with the sleepiness people feel after eating a holiday meal, it also has been linked to better sleep quality, so a banana shortly before bed might be just what you need to fall and stay asleep.

• Cheese and crackers: One more traditional snack may just help you get a better night’s sleep.

Cheese and crackers contain tryptophan and carbohydrates, which can induce a better night’s sleep and help you fall asleep sooner.

• Cherries: Cherries contain the sleep hormone melatonin, and the AARP notes that recent studies indicated that participants who drank tart cherry juice on a daily basis fell asleep more quickly and slept longer and better than participants who did not.

• Hummus: The primary ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, which are loaded with tryptophan, folate and vitamin B6. Folate has proven especially beneficial to older men and women who need help regulating their sleep patterns, while vitamin B6 helps the body regulate its clock.

• Peanut butter: Peanut butter is another snacking item loaded with tryptophan. Spread some peanut butter on a carbohydrate, whether it’s a slice of toast or some crackers, before going to bed, and you may enjoy a better, longer sleep.

• Walnuts: Like cherries, walnuts contain melatonin, which can contribute to a longer, more restful night’s sleep. Walnuts also can help regulate stress, which is a leading cause of sleeping difficulty.

Many men and women experience difficulty sleeping as they age. But the right foods may just help combat such problems and help men and women get a more adequate night’s sleep.

grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church- or community center-based counseling services may be available.

Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling

or therapy sessions are covered under their plans.

Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfilling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly find themselves caring for their grandchildren.

Spring

Senior Lifestyles • Spring 2015 – Page 12

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